As NYC’s Town Hall theatre filled up with expectant young families, grandparents and “Beluga Grads” for a Raffi Concert, the Moms Clean Air Force team was flooded with nostalgia. The concert was presented in association with MCAF and all proceeds benefited Raffi’s, Centre For Child-Honouring.
This musical reprieve brought our team together to give each family in the audience a MCAF tote bag stuffed with resource information about air pollution. MCAF co-founder, Dominique Browning had the honor of introducing Raffi to the squealing, supercharged crowd.
Raffi’s playful music spun the soundtrack of my family’s life 20 years earlier. At the time, I was also teaching first and second graders! I remember fondly, sharing Raffi’s music with my two children (now in their 20’s), and in my classroom. From learning manners and hygiene (“Brush Your Teeth”), to environmental and humanistic issues (“All I Really Need”), Raffi spoke to young children.
Raffi’s lyrics still ring remarkably timeless and relevant. Watching children, parents, teachers and grandparents at the concert, mouthing every word to his songs, was such a sweet reward. But it was when Raffi brought out his “banana phone” that gaggles of toddlers rushed the stage…piling up in a mini 3-4 year-old mosh pit to “Shake My Sillies Out.” Raffi captivates kids and parents, and they go rock star bananas for his music.
As you can see from these photos, a Raffi concert is not to be missed. And it’s not too late to join us in welcoming Raffi to your city!
Photos: Ted Fink for Moms Clean Air Force